Jackson among defensive stars in win over Atlanta

In the past, specifically during his mostly uneven rookie season, Kareem Jackson would exit the Texans’ locker room as soon as possible. But not Sunday, not after the third interception of his career, not after delivering one of the biggest hits of his short career.

Instead, he was playing around, mimicking Will Farrell’s character in the movie “Old School,” making a reference to his team’s six-game winning streak.

“We’re going streaking,” he said, over and over again, in a sing-song tone.

If this is what it looks like when Jackson is enjoying himself, then so be it. The second-year cornerback followed up a brilliant game in Jacksonville with another Sunday against Atlanta, causing cornerback Johnathan Joseph to gloat.

“I told y’all he was getting better every week,” he said.

Jackson was credited with two passes defensed and three tackles, none bigger or louder than his crushing blow on Roddy White in the third quarter. It was a 15-yard gain, but Jackson leveled White, and the hit drew a flag at first, presumably for helmet-to-helmet contact. But officials picked it up after it was agreed that Jackson led with his shoulder.

“I wasn’t sure I hit him in the head or not,” he said. “I was thinking, ‘OK, I see the ball, I see the man, either the ball is going to beat me there or I’m going to get there.’ The ball beat me to him, so, hey, I had to knock it loose.”

Well, he tried. White hung on, but paid the price.

Alumni pride

Antonio Smith is proud of his roots. He’s a Oklahoma State alumnus, and anytime OSU defeats mighty Oklahoma – as the Cowboys did soundly Saturday night, 44-10 – bragging is in order.

Alas, Smith’s thoughts on Bedlam:

“What do you want to hear? Domination. Destiny.”

Then, on his Cowboys playing against LSU in the BCS Championship:

“Can you say proving ourselves to be in that Big Dance? But I think they might burn us. I think we should be in there, but I think we’ll get burned.”

Turns out he was right – as was Jackson, who attended Alabama.

“There has to be a rematch,” he said. “Has to – no question. No doubt. Man, Oklahoma State – really? Oklahoma State – that’s all I’m going to say.”

McNair excited with win

Owner Bob McNair couldn’t contain his enthusiasm after his team won a sixth consecutive game and elevated its record to 9-3.

“It proves I have a healthy heart,” McNair said after the 17-10 victory. “It just reflects the character of our team with the way we deal with adversity and the job coach (Gary) Kubiak has done in keeping these guys focused and ready to play in spite of all those setbacks.”

The Texans lead the AFC South by two games over Tennessee. They also own the tie-breaker after beating the Titans. They have four games left.

“I’m so happy for the city because our fans have waited so long for a team they can really be proud of,” McNair said. “The way they’ve overcome adversity is a lesson in life for all of us.”

Accepting blame

The Falcons had two touchdowns called back because of penalties. The first one was a fumble return for a touchdown by safety James Sanders. Quarterback T.J. Yates was starting to throw, but he was hit, and the ball came out. Everyone but Sanders thought it was an incomplete pass. Sanders alertly picked up the ball and took off.

Unfortunately for Sanders and the Falcons, players from both teams ran on the field, drawing penalties, nullifying the touchdown and giving Atlanta possession where Sanders picked up the ball.

On the second one, linebacker Mike Peterson intercepted Yates and scored, but it was wiped out on Dunta Robinson’s holding penalty. He grabbed receiver Kevin Walter and pulled on his jersey.

“It was a big play,” Robinson said. “I take full responsibility for it.”

Robinson was impressed with the Texans’ top-ranked defense that limited the Falcons to 10 points.

“A great defensive coordinator makes all the difference, and they have a great one,” he said about Wade Phillips. “They’re playing fast. They’re playing physical. It looks like the guys are having a lot of fun. They’re a hell of a defense. “

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 1of/101

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 101

<b><center>Dec. 4: Texans 17, Falcons 10</center></b> Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) celebrates after a defensive stop on the final play of the game to preserve the victory.

<b><center>Dec. 4: Texans 17, Falcons 10</center></b> Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) celebrates after a defensive stop on the final play of the game to preserve the victory.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 2 of 101

Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrate after Joseph broke up a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrate after Joseph broke up a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 3 of 101

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) passes the ball over Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first quarter.

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) passes the ball over Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 4 of 101

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the second.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the second.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 5 of 101

Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) is tripped up by Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) on a punt return during the second quarter.

Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) is tripped up by Falcons running back Antone Smith (35) on a punt return during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 6 of 101

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line during the third quarter.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play at the line during the third quarter.

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

Image 7 of 101

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is helped by back judge Keith Ferguson (61) after suffering a leg injury as Atlanta's Dunta Robinson (23) looks on during the third quarter.

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is helped by back judge Keith Ferguson (61) after suffering a leg injury as Atlanta's Dunta Robinson (23) looks on during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 8 of 101

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) grabs Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter.

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin (98) grabs Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

Image 9 of 101

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a defensive stop against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a defensive stop against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter.

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) pumps his fist as he celebrates with wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) and quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) after video review upheld his touchdown pass during the second quarter. less

Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) pumps his fist as he celebrates with wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) and quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) after video review upheld his touchdown pass during the second ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 82 of 101

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is shrouded in smoke as he waits to take the field before the game.

Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing is shrouded in smoke as he waits to take the field before the game.